Self Knowledge Vs. Career Assessment

Identify Potential Jobs Through Self Knowledge and Career Assessment

In order to search for a career, you need to understand some key elements about yourself, known as self knowledge. A career assessment can help you explore your areas of interest to point you in the right direction.

Function

A career assessment acts as a diagnostic tool that helps identify potential professions for individuals who are unsure what type of career to pursue. (See References 1)

Significance

Universities like Columbia State Community College recommend using a career assessment test as the first step in determining your major area of study and resulting career. (See Resources 1)

Types

Tools designed to increase your self knowledge or to assess your career options can be self-directed, meaning you can use the tool without professional help. You may require some help interpreting the results. These tools can also focus on different aspects of your personality, work experience, hobbies and interests. (See References 3)

Considerations

According to Quintessential Careers, some career counselors fear you might misread a career assessment tool without having the self-knowledge to evaluate the results. If you lack self knowledge, you may want to work with a professional in the industry. (See References 1)

Relationship

A career assessment is a way to use your self knowledge to determine what type of career would best match your personality, strengths and weaknesses. (See References 2)

References

• Quintessential Careers: Career Assessment
• ERIC: Acquiring Self-Knowledge for Career Development
• Riley Guide: Self-Assessment Resources

Resources

• Columbia State Community College: Career Services